Jokulsarlon is an extremely picturesque glacier lagoon in southern Iceland close to the town of Höfn.  Things to do at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon;

  • Floating icebergs in the Lagoon
  • James Bond and Game of Thrones Filming Location
  • Diamond Beach
  • Ice Caves (November to March)
  • Glacier Hikes

There are a few accommodation options in the nearby city of Höfn, also check out airbnb.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - reflection photography

The lagoon and icebergs come from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier which is part of the larger glacier, Vatnajökull.  As a matter of fact, Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe by volume and covers 8% of Iceland.  Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit in your lifetime.  You’ll view still blue water and hundreds of unique icebergs.  To add to the beauty, the icebergs form perfect reflections in the blue water.

You will have many photos opportunities from posing with the ice to reflection photography using the lagoon and icebergs.  The sunset is stunning over the glacier lagoon.

Jokulsarlon James Bond

Because of its unique beauty, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon has featured in a few Hollywood movies including;

As a matter of fact, it’s so beautiful that it has featured in 2 Bond movies!  In addition, many episodes of Game of Thrones have been filmed at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Iceland Instagram Spots

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Of course Jokulsarlon is a top Iceland Instagram spot!  Any location which has featured in 2 James Bond movies must be something special.  Although it’s cold, you’ll see girls in colorful dresses, specifically to pose in front of the lagoon!


Diamond Beach

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Diamond Beach

The lagoon flows through a short waterway under a bridge, which is part of Iceland’s route 1 highway and into the Atlantic Ocean.  This black beach is known as Diamond Beach.  You’ll witness a unique site where the glaciers are floating in the ocean as well as some of them washed up on shore.  Observing the icebergs in the ocean is completely different to the calm lagoon.  During the winter months there’ll be hundreds of seals feeding on the fish from the sea which adds to the beauty.

Ice Cave Tours


From November to March you have the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit an Ice Cave.  Although, on the expensive side, it would be a shame to come all this way and not visit!  I recommend you book in advance as the Ice Cave tours are extremely popular.  In fact some claim the caves are more beautiful than the glacier lagoon itself.

Glacier Hike

Glacier hiking is a dream activity for many visitors to Iceland.  There are not many places in the world where you can walk on a glacier.  Additionally, you’ll come away with a wonderful experience as well as stunning photographs!

Jokulsarlon Airbnb

Jokulsarlon is a long way from Reykjavik, as a result there are not many hotels nearby.  The main reason to stay close by to Jokulsarlon is to photograph it at sunset or sunrise.  It’s a beautiful location during the day but add a bit more color and it becomes electric!  Furthermore, you may be photographing the glaciers at night with the Northern Lights in the background.  Alternatively, you may have a tour starting early the next day or finishing late.  For these reasons, I strongly recommend you check out the airbnb options in the area.


Enjoy your visit to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lake

Be sure to check out the visitor center, if not for the information then for the food.  You have the option of delicious chocolate cake for $8, alternatively there’s Icelandic soup for $10.  Although these prices are a little elevated, remember that parking and viewing of Jokulsarlon are free of charge.  Additionally, there are complimentary clean toilets too.  Did I mention that the chocolate cake is delicious?

How to get from Jokulsarlon to Fjallsarlon

A 10 minute drive west on the route 1 ring road will take you to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon.  You must take note that driving between Höfn and Vik, gas stations are not so common.  For this reason, I recommend filling up before taking the trip as it would be very embarrassing to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere!

Fjallsarlon to Skogafoss